Merit scholarships are awarded based on the academic information you provide through your application for admission.

To be considered for IU Achievement and Selective Scholarships, you must submit a complete application for admission (including official transcript, test scores, and essay) by November 1.

If you meet the November 1 deadline, you may submit updated SAT and/or ACT scores until January 15 for additional scholarship consideration. Updated scores will be evaluated and notification will be made on a rolling basis for those who qualify. After the November 1 deadline, scholarship opportunities are limited.

When you fill out your application, you’ll be asked to choose an intended major. If you know what you’d like to major in, select that major.

If you don’t know what you want to major in, that’s OK. IU students who have not yet chosen a major are considered exploratory students. It’s fine to spend time discovering the path that’s right for you. Indiana University promotes academic exploration above all else. It’s why most freshmen begin their studies in University Division (UD), where they fulfill the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting school or college.

Learn about direct admission

Most new students at IU begin their studies at University Division (UD) to complete the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting major or school. However, each year, about 20 percent of incoming students are directly admitted into a school or college.

Indiana University Bloomington accepts the Apply IU Application, Common Application, and Coalition Application.

Which application do I choose?

You can choose whichever application platform you’d like. We don’t give preference to any one application platform, and you have to provide the same information for each. We also use the same review process regardless of platform. You can choose whichever method works best for your situation. You can learn more about the Common Application and Coalition Application on their websites.

Can I apply using more than one application?

Although we provide three different application options, you should select only one. You will not receive any benefit from applying multiple times, and all application fees are nonrefundable. If you apply using more than one application, it may delay processing.

Why are there three application options?

IU is committed to student access and success. We want to provide students as many options as possible for submitting their application. The Common Application is accepted at more than 600 institutions, and the Coalition Application is accepted at more than 90 institutions.

What information do I need to provide to apply?

All application platforms ask the same types of questions (although the questions might be worded slightly differently). You’ll need to provide information like your name, address, previous school history, plans at IU, and a 200–400 word essay. You’ll also be able to provide details on your achievements and accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

Review fee waiver information (if eligible)

If you are a student with limited financial resources, you may be eligible for an admission application fee waiver.

To obtain a fee waiver, you must request a fee waiver when completing your application.

If you are submitting the IU eApplication, you will then need to submit a completed ACT, SAT, or NACAC fee waiver form that has been verified by your high school counselor.

If you are submitting the Common Application, you will need to complete the fee waiver section on your profile and your counselor will need to verify your eligibility.

If you are submitting the Coalition Application, you will answer questions within the application that will determine your eligibility. No additional form or counselor verification is required.

We will not process your application or make an admission decision until we receive a completed fee waiver or the $65 application fee.

Submit the online application and essay

Click on the link below to select your application platform and get started. Even though there are three options to choose from, you should submit only one application for admission to IU Bloomington.

As part of your application submission, regardless of which platform you choose, make sure you submit the 200–400 word IU-specific essay. If you are applying through the Common Application, this essay is called the Writing Supplement for IU Bloomington.

Make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies to ensure that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly.

Receive your iStart login information

After you submit your online application, you will receive immediate email confirmation that it was received.

OIS will send you an email within five business days with your login information for iStart.

You will then need to log in to iStart so you can upload the additional documents you are required to submit.

Submit your supporting documents

After you have submitted your application online, there are several documents you will need to upload to iStart:

As an international student at IU Bloomington, you are required to submit documents proving you have the financial means to support yourself for a full calendar year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.

We encourage you to submit your financial documents as soon as possible.

You will first be notified of your admission decision via email by the Office of International Services (OIS).

If you are admitted, your admission letter will be sent to you via mail after you have paid your enrollment deposit and submitted the required financial documents. OIS will mail the admission letter after the financial documents have been reviewed and approved.

Let us know you plan to enroll

If you are admitted to IU Bloomington, you’ll need to let us know you plan to attend by paying your enrollment deposit.

To officially reserve your spot as an IU student, pay your enrollment deposit by May 1.

If you would like to cancel your application after you have already applied, you can do that on the Intent to Enroll page.

Just for IU Jacobs School of Music applicants

If you’re interested in the Jacobs School of Music, you may apply using Apply IU, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. After submitting only one of these applications, you must complete the Jacobs Schools of Music supplemental application and submit an additional fee.

Campus safety and security reports

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.